About Us

Faculty and Staff

Faculty & Staff Department Directory

  • Photo of Georgia Cronin
    Georgia Cronin
    Kindergarten Teacher
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    Wheaton College - B.A.
    Fairfield University - M.Ed.
    Bio
     
    Georgia grew up in Greenwich CT. Her mother has been in education for over 30 years, so it was no surprise she wanted to also pursue teaching. Prior to Brimmer, Georgia taught abroad in Madrid, Spain. In addition, she worked at Brunswick School, Riverdale Country School, and Friends Academy, teaching grades K-3.
     
    “Joy in teaching, joy in learning” is at the foundation of Georgia’s classroom. She believes students should enjoy the process of learning and take pride in their hard work. Georgia strives to create an inclusive, supportive, kind, and fun classroom! As an educator, Georgia spends a lot of time getting to know both her students and their families. By the end of the year a strong relationship is built with each student. Creating a sense of belonging in her classroom is a common theme through the year — each child feels they are seen, heard, cherished and loved. 
     
    The sense of worldliness at Brimmer is what draws Georgia to Brimmer. An avid traveler herself, she loves learning and sharing about other cultures and cities she has visited. A sense of community is so important to her, and she felt that sense of community the minute she stepped on the Brimmer campus. Outside of work, Georgia enjoys traveling, going to the beach, and a strong cup of coffee. She loves fashion and shoes — in fact she collects shoes!
     
    Georgia holds a dual degree from Wheaton College in Early Childhood Education and Psychology. She holds her Masters in Special Education from Fairfield University and her teaching licensure in both Massachusetts and Connecticut. 
  • Photo of Katie Hodes
    Katie Hodes
    Early Childhood Assistant Teacher
    Wheaton College - B.A.
    Bio
     
    Katie is excited to continue her role as the Early Childhood Assistant Teacher. As an assistant to the Early Childhood team, Katie collaborates with the incredible teachers at Brimmer as well as the students by leading lessons, coordinating activities, and being an extra support system for the students. She hopes to be an educational role model to the students at Brimmer as her Early Childhood educators were to her! 

    Katie strives to create an environment in which all students feel safe, accepted, and excited to learn. By fostering a space where students feel encouraged to make mistakes, ask questions, and share ideas her hope is that they will take ownership of their own learning and strive to be the best students they can be.
     
    Outside of school Katie loves spending time with friends and family, watching movies, playing games, and exploring nature (she is always happiest in a hammock!)
  • Photo of Ina Patel
    Ina Patel
    LS Director of Teaching & Learning, Admissions Liaison
    Case Western Reserve University - B.A.
    Boston University - M.P.H.
    Boston College - M.Ed.
    Bio
     
    Ina began her journey at Brimmer as a 2nd grade teacher before transitioning to 4th grade and eventually stepping into her current role as Director of Teaching and Learning. Working alongside the Lower School Head and Assistant Head, she helps ensure that the School's mission and guiding principles come to life throughout the Lower School, developing initiatives that directly enhance student learning and engagement.

    Guided by her belief that learning should be fun, innovative, and hands-on, Ina collaborates with teachers to create a student-centered program rooted in inquiry, exploration, and experiential learning. Her approach focuses on building essential 21st-century skills while nurturing Brimmer's commitment to fostering a lifelong love of learning and global engagement in every student.

    Ina holds a TEEP Certificate from Tufts University School of Engineering, a program that connects educators with engineering principles and practices. This expertise proved instrumental in developing the school's design program, where she successfully integrated design thinking and the design process into the STEAM curriculum. Her passion for global education shines through in the projects she guides, where Lower School students tackle important real-world issues including water scarcity, deforestation, and cultural tolerance.

    Beyond her daily responsibilities, Ina actively contributes to the broader educational community as a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, the Lower School AI Task Force, and the Lower School diversity committee. She has served as chair on Brimmer's NEASC self-study committee as well as a member of a self-study visiting team.

    In her personal time, Ina enjoys traveling, discovering new cultures, and seeking adventures in the great outdoors—experiences that continually inspire and inform her global and experiential teaching philosophy.
  • Photo of Sarah Wyllie
    Sarah Wyllie
    Kindergarten Teacher, LS SEL & Global Education Curriculum Coordinator
    Pine Manor College - B.A.
    Lesley University - M.Ed.
    Bio
     
    Sarah Wyllie joined the Brimmer Lower School team in 2018. In addition to teaching Kindergarten, she is the Lower School SEL & Global Education Curriculum Coordinator. By emphasizing global studies and social/emotional development, she helps ensure that the Lower School is infused with the belief that even our youngest learners can become compassionate, proactive, engaged, curious, and empathetic global citizens 
     
    Sarah has over fifteen years of teaching experience in preschool through second grade. She holds a B.A. from Pine Manor College and an M.Ed. in Elementary Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Global Citizenship from Lesley University. When she’s not in the classroom, Sarah enjoys gardening and going on adventures with her husband and daughter. She also volunteers for the Best Buddies program and has served on the Acton School Committee. 

Our Greatest Asset

Meet the people who work every day to create the best educational experience possible for Brimmer students. Read more about our faculty and staff in their bios.
    • Our dynamic and dedicated teachers at Brimmer and May are the heart of our community.

As an inclusive private school community, Brimmer welcomes students who will increase the diversity of our school. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, or any other characteristic protected from discrimination under state or federal law, in the administration of our educational policies, admissions practices, financial aid decisions, and athletic and other school-administered programs.